Butler donned a green screen shirt, leaving only his head visible with wild hair and make-up applications in order to play the role of a leprechaun. “I play the most perverse, disturbing, disgusting, foul-mouthed leprechaun you could ever imagine,” Butler comments. For the ripped star of “300” and “Gamer“, getting into the role meant getting into the body of someone else –literally. The greenscreen technology utilized for “Benjamin Button” was applied in this shoot in order to place Butler’s head onto the body of a very talented little person.

Gerard Butler at Loyal Studios Santa Monica

Butler remained on set for the entire multi-hour shoot and was a consummate professional, keeping up the spirits of the cast and crew by cracking jokes and having a good time. “Gerard Butler is a real pro,” says Bekian, “and this project brought together an incredible cast and crew.” With Greg Nicotero of KNB effects working his magic with make-up, and Brett Ratner directing, the creativity in the studio was unbelievable.”

“The genesis is a system developed Between Panavision and SONY to record onto the SONY HDSR tape, which we recorded through a set up with a live greenscreen composite system,” Bekian adds. The cameras and technical support were provided by Pro HD Rentals of Burbank, CA, which set up the entire technical configuration in conjunction with Loyal Studios pre-lit facilities in Santa Monica.

Panavision Genesis at work in Loyal Studios

Loyal has specialized high definition pre-lit studios in Santa Monica and Burbank, California, and produces commercials, features, television and music videos. For more information, please visit www.loyalstudios.tv